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Author
Topic: The 25 year club (Read 8086 times)

Well, I officially move into the "25 year club" this month, having received an 'official' HIV + diagnosis in March 1987. I read a lot of articles and hear lots of stories now about people who consider themselves to be LTSers, but then they say "I've only been on meds for the past 4 to 6 years"......and I'm sure, in some cases, that may be totally true. I, always the skeptic, tend to believe it is maybe not so much so for many of these.

I also don't go by "when I think I might have been infected", because we all know we were infected (some of us a long time) before we actually had the test done.I go by the actual date I was informed that I was HIV positive by a physician (or in my case, the lab tech, who broke the news to me over the phone).

I watched "Longtime Companion" recently, and it sure brought back a lot of painful memories. Most of the 90's was a living hell for me. Every day I have is truly a gift.

Hugs to all my fellow LTSers, you know who you are.

Alan

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"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Well, I officially move into the "25 year club" this month, having received an 'official' HIV + diagnosis in March 1987. I read a lot of articles and hear lots of stories now about people who consider themselves to be LTSers, but then they say "I've only been on meds for the past 4 to 6 years"......and I'm sure, in some cases, that may be totally true. I, always the skeptic, tend to believe it is maybe not so much so for many of these.

I also don't go by "when I think I might have been infected", because we all know we were infected (some of us a long time) before we actually had the test done.I go by the actual date I was informed that I was HIV positive by a physician (or in my case, the lab tech, who broke the news to me over the phone).

I watched "Longtime Companion" recently, and it sure brought back a lot of painful memories. Most of the 90's was a living hell for me. Every day I have is truly a gift.

Hugs to all my fellow LTSers, you know who you are.

Alan

Alan,

Yes, I was diagnosed in 1985 but did not become ill until 2007. So while it is true that someone like me has nothing on someone like you in regards to "surviving" this disease it is not quite so simple. Just different. I buried many friends and lovers, went to many memorial services, made many hospital rounds and all the while knowing I was next 'and hoping I did not infect my wife and two children. Different.

I always like to remember anniversaries like these because it helps remind me of how lucky we are to just be here.

exactly. when I just turned 50 quite a few people tried to tease me about being old. However I was looking back and remembering a couple of birthdays during the 90s when I was lying in hospital and doctors where telling me I was about to die. Those anniversaries are now 14 and 16 years ago. W00T! I like celebrating all these anniversaries, cause each one - whether it was of infection date, diagnosis date, hospitalization date - celebrating each one of those means I'm still alive!!! and being alive is a whole lot better than not being alive.

Welcome to the quarter-century club! I don't think that any of us here ever thought we would celebrate such an anniversary. I'm sure it's a testament to something, but my brain fog prevents me from identifying what it is.

Congrats Alan. So many thoughts from reading all the posts and am still having a difficult time expressing them. One hell of a journey but we've made it. (so far)

I too watched "And the Band Played on" this week. There are always a few comments that bring it all home for me. We were diagnosed when HIV had a 100% mortality rate. And when it's said we were brave; in reality, we were probably all scared to pieces.

And to think after all this time, people still haven't accepted this disease does not have a sexual preference!

Congrats again buddy.

Wolfie

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Complacency is the enemy. Challenge yourself daily for maximum return on investment.

Hey boomer, yes I certainly realize that LTNP's exist. Thus, I stated: "and I'm sure, in some cases, that may be totally true"

Are you in any LTNP studies? It would be great to help unlock the mystery of why some progress so slowly, and others so quickly.

I had blood drawn yesterday for an upcoming ID visit...there was a young man there, reading his "welcome pamphlet" to our clinic, and having his very first blood draw. It really made me stop to think, what are we doing wrong? Why is this still happening? It makes me crazy...

Hugs, and thank you to all. It's a strange "club" we belong to, isn't it? Just wish it came with some benefits!

Love, Alan

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"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

AMEN, Joe ! That is the greatest benefit of all. Before coming here, I really didn't even know but a couple of Long Term Survivors...it's great to have a 'safe' place to discuss our issues, with friends.

Many hugs to ALL of you!

Love, Alan

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"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

I was symptomatic back in 1988 with thrush and all kinds of weird rashes. The quack who gave me the news on the phone called it "ARC" (you guys remember that one), but the thrush was pointed out by a dentist. I walked off my job when I heard the words - in shock. I was a real wild child.. "better to burn out than it is to rust" ... more than a little sure my own dark passenger hitched a ride in 1983 after a blood trans. following a terrible industrial accident. Not that it matters but the timeline is right. But its ironic that my transfusion came on Oct. 19, 1983 (I was 18).. the very day the U.S. blood supply was required to begin testing for Hep B. I lived in denial for years but it was always there-right at the bottom of a bottle of Jack Daniels. I had been married that year.. my wife cried and was herself diagnosed in 1993 with full blown AIDS. We divorced in 96.. she died last year.. I postponed my own "official" diagnoses till 97.. I was falling out of my truck and sick as hell. T-call count was 6. Doc had me dead that year. But here I friggin sit. Any of you guys remember Hydrox?.. That and DDI nearly put me in a chair in 98. Been on Sustiva,Trizivir since 99. My doc shakes her head cause Im not the most compliant but maintain number in the 350 to 1000 range. Definitely had its ups and downs. But left foot right foot right?.. Just breathin in and breathin out.. Happy trails and TTFN.

Hey everyone!! I just joined last night, and I have already learned so much! You are all such wonderful and supportive people. I hit my 26th year this year! Born and raised! November 1985, and have faced many of the same milestones. But continue to smile because you only have right here and right now regardless of your status. I went on meds in 2002, at the age of 17. Would anyone happen to know who the oldest person living born and raised with this? I look forward to hearing your stories and gaining much support! Love you all!!

This is my first post on the forum as I only just discovered it a few days ago.

I was diagnosed in 1987 and was infected in 1986. I know where, when and who and we are both still alive - not together though.

What I found the most difficult is when I had been alive longer with the virus than without. This lead to a period of depression and it was not for about three months that I was able to work out what may be the cause.

I have been on the same drugs for about 6 years and only been on medication for the past 8 years.

I have recommenced study and will be planning a documentary on long term survivors as part of my final year project.

If you are from Australia and would like your story to be told then just let me know.

Late coming with congratulations! My official results came in 10/16/86, with seroconversion the summer of 1984. Best, Win

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Winthrop Smith has published three collections of poetry: Ghetto: From The First Five; The Weigh-In: Collected Poems; Skin Check: New York Poems. The last was published in December 2006. He has a work-in-progress underway titled Starting Positions.

This Belgian chocolate is joining your new club in July.... a toast to this very special event that, let's face it, none of us ever thought he/she would be celebrating. But hell yeah, we are still kicking.

xxxxx

Hermie

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Diagnosed in 1987 and still kickingViread, Kivexa (Epzicom),Viramune once daily

As per a lot of us Methuselas we had the classic prognosis of sell everything, quit your job and blow your money 'cause you'll be dead in 2 years. So lots of milestones, 2 years was good (prove the doctor wrong), then 5, 10. 35th b'day surprised myself, really hadn't expected to make it through that year. It was summer, very hot and I'm shirtless in the birthday snaps... I looked like an animated skeleton.25th seemed a bit anti-climactic to me, but everyone has different milestones. Congrats!

Wow you are all inspirations to me and give me so much hope for my dad. you are all so positive and i think thats fantastic. my dad is inching closer and closer to his 20 yr mark and i have been becoming more and more concerned but after reading all your posts its so nice to see people in his situation with such positive attitudes it makes me realize this disease doesnt have to be a death sentence and that lights up my world. so thank you all soo much and congrats everyone! again inspirations!!

I was diagnosed in 1989, and have no idea how long I've been infected, (but my last negative result was the summer of '88, so there is a window of opportunity.)

What gets me is the loneliness.

I have no issues concerning meds because I'm asymptomatic and never been on meds. I'm afraid I'm still a product of the gay/bi male dating and sex scene, and that I feel out of place in the 21st century now that I'm divorced.

Now, I'm trying to decide if celibacy is the best option for me sexually and spiritually.

Congrats Alan !I too "celebrated" 25 yrs. on June 13th. When diagnosed, I was told that I'd probably have two years...I guess they meant 2+ decades. Every day's still a gift and poz truly changed my whole philosphy of life. Avoid it if you can but make the best of it when it happens.Best,Joe

I was told enjoy what time you have you wont make 25.. I had just turned 19.I am still here 25 yrs later.. there have so many times when i have thought NO MORE ic ant do this.. been lucky never to have been ill jus 1 abscess and i had to have my teeth removed(they rotted and i had perfect teeth)had alot skin infections mostly dermatitis..that cleared up

Been on alot of drugs dont remember the names .. they kept me alive and that is what is important..

Can I join the club? I was diagnosed in Jan., 1986 and feel so fortunate to be alive and healthy, thanks to my guardian angel and the meds. Great post!Kudos to all of you for enduring this lifelong albatross...